--- carb: bread tags: - Dessert - 60+min - Advanced - Contains-Eggs - Contains-Dairy - Contains-Gluten image: https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/mille-feuille-2-225x225.jpg title: Napoleon author: Sally course: Dessert method: oven source: https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/mille-feuille-napoleon-pastry/ cuisine: French protein: eggs servings: 5 3-layer squares (each is shareable!) cook time: 35 minutes prep time: 1 hour 45 minutes time required: 5 hours alternative_name: Mille-Feuille (Napoleon Pastry) ingredient_count: 11 --- == Pastry Cream == In a large #heatproof bowl{}(preferably with a pour spout), whisk the @egg yolks{4%large}(cold or room temperature) and @cornstarch{3%Tablespoons} together with a #fork{}. It may not look like it will all come together (it will be dry at first), but keep mixing until the mixture is thick and combined. If it's not coming together at all, add a few drops of the milk you need in the next step to bring together. Set aside at room temperature. Combine the @whole milk{2%cups} and @granulated sugar{1/2%cup} in a #medium saucepan{} over medium heat. Whisk until the sugar has dissolved, then bring to a gentle simmer. Remove from heat. Pour the warm milk and sugar mixture in a slow and steady stream into the egg yolk and cornstarch mixture, whisking the entire time. Keep those egg yolks moving so they don't scramble. Over a #sieve{}, to strain out any egg yolk solids that may have formed during tempering, pour the mixture back into the saucepan. Return the saucepan to medium heat, and whisk constantly. The mixture will be frothy on the surface at first, and then it will begin to thicken quickly and large bubbles will begin to burst on the surface. This usually takes about ~{1-2%minutes}. Stand back and use caution. Let the bubbles burst for about ~{20%seconds}, or until the mixture has thickened into a custard- or pudding-like consistency. (For a more accurate test, the custard is done when the temperature reaches 185–190°F (85–88°C).) Remove from heat. Whisk in @unsalted butter{1%Tablespoon}(softened to room temperature), @pure vanilla extract{1%teaspoon}, @vanilla bean{1/2}(seeds scraped), and @salt{small pinch}. Cool for ~{10%minutes}. Transfer the pastry cream from the saucepan to a heatproof bowl and place a piece of #plastic wrap{} or #parchment paper{} directly on the surface of the custard, to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least ~{3%hours}, and up to 24 hours. Makes 2–2.5 cups, or about 580–610g. == Pastry == Prepare @homemade rough puff pastry{1%lb} dough through 2nd refrigeration. If using @store-bought frozen puff pastry{2%sheets}(thawed), thaw according to package directions. Keep either dough in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a #12×17-inch baking sheet{}(half sheet pan) with parchment paper. Have a second #baking sheet{} and more parchment paper out as well. Set aside. On a floured work surface using a floured #rolling pin{}, roll pastry dough into a rectangle about 11×16 inches in size, using @all-purpose flour{as needed} to roll dough. (If using store-bought puff pastry sheets, place them side by side, with the edge of one sheet overlapping the other in the center, and use a rolling pin to adhere them together as you roll the whole thing out into an 11×16-inch rectangle.) Transfer the dough to the lined baking sheet. Dock the surface with a fork to allow steam to escape. Place a second piece of parchment paper on top of the pastry dough. Set a second baking sheet, filled with #pie weights{} (or dried beans) on top. Bake for ~{20%minutes} with pan & weights on top. Remove from oven and carefully remove the top weighted baking sheet and the top piece of parchment. Return the uncovered pastry to the oven for ~{7-9%minutes} more, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool for ~{20%minutes} on the pan, and then carefully lift it and place on a #cooling rack{} to cool completely. > Other options for pie weights include dried beans, rice, or a second heavy pan. == Cream Filling == Using a #handheld or stand mixer{} fitted with a #whisk attachment{}, whip the @heavy cream{1/2%cup}(cold) on medium-high speed until medium peaks form, about ~{3%minutes}. Add the chilled pastry cream to the bowl with the whipped cream. Beat on low speed until just combined and smooth. Do not over-mix. Cover and refrigerate for at least ~{1%hour} and up to 4 hours. == Assembly == Using a large, very sharp #knife{}, trim around the sides of the cooled pastry to straighten up any uneven edges. Use the knife to cut the pastry into 15 squares roughly uniform in size. > The pastry will shrink some while baking. After starting with dough rolled out to 11×16 inches, after baking it typically ends up around 9–10×14–15 inches. So if you have a baked pastry that's 9×15 inches (after trimming the edges), your 15 squares will be 3×3 inches. If your pastry is a slightly different size, don't panic! Use a measuring tape or ruler to measure the sides to determine exactly how wide to space your cuts. Measure the long side and divide by 5, then measure the short side and divide by 3. In a #small bowl{}, whisk together the @confectioners' sugar{1%cup}(sifted), @milk{1.5%Tablespoons}, and @pure vanilla extract{1/2%teaspoon} until combined and smooth. Place the @semi-sweet chocolate{2%ounces}(coarsely chopped) in a small #microwave-safe bowl{}. Melt in ~{20%second} increments in the microwave, stirring after each increment, until completely melted and smooth. Transfer the melted chocolate to a #squeeze bottle{} or a #piping bag{} fitted with a small round tip, or use a small #plastic sandwich bag{} and cut off a bottom corner. Place 5 pastry squares on a #wire rack{} set over parchment paper. With a #spoon{} or #icing spatula{}, spoon and spread the vanilla icing on one square. Before the icing has a chance to set, pipe 4 lines of melted chocolate across each top. Use a #toothpick{} to create a chevron design, dragging it across the stripes in a perpendicular direction. Alternate directions with the toothpick, wiping the toothpick end with a paper towel in between each pass. Repeat with the remaining 4 pastry squares. Fit a #pastry bag{} with a large round tip. Or, you can simply use a large #plastic bag{} and snip off a bottom corner with #scissors{}. Starting with one of the (plain/un-iced) pastry squares, pipe 3 dollops of cream filling in 3 rows (9 dollops total). Place another (plain) pastry square on top, pressing down very lightly. Repeat the piping of 9 dollops on the next layer. Place one of the decorated (iced) pastry squares on top of the second layer of cream filling. Repeat with the remaining pastry squares; you will have 5 assembled pastries. Refrigerate uncovered for at least ~{30%minutes} before serving, or up to 8 hours. The soft filling will spill out the sides when you cut or bite into it, and that's expected. > Store mille-feuille in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pastry will become softer and less crisp over time.